White patch on Betta’s head?

[dantheman1]

What could this white patch that has developed be? His behaviour is normal.

Parameters are all good.

Pic is attached.

Thanks

 

[Demeter32]

Can we get a pic of his entire body?

It's possible your betta has a marble gene, meaning he is changing colors. The tissue on his head doens't look unhealthy so that is my guess. Is that area raised/puffy at all?

 

[dantheman1]

Thanks for your reply.

Overall no puffiness however a small lump (his eyeball size) has formed around 5mm to the right of his left eye. It is flesh coloured.

Could this all be down to stress. He is with 8 Cardinal Tetra’s and 3 Amano Shrimp. I’m looking to rehouse the Tetras as I was told they won’t work together and I haven’t done this sooner as I can’t find a suitable home for them. I don’t want to take them back to the LFS to go back to those tank conditions.

I’ve noticed he’s been less active. He’s at the bottom of the tank more, looks as if he’s sleeping, he’s dead still and doesn’t move for a length of time.

My first tank, I’ve learnt from my mistakes and willing to rectify.

A couple more pics attached.

Thanks and urgent help required please!

Dan

 

[NickAu]

Hi

Please dont think I am being rude because that is not my intention.

Parameters are all good.

Sorry but that means nothing, If I had a dollar for every time I heard parameters are all good I would be a rich man.


Can you please answer the following questions.

How big is the tank?
Has it got a heater? What is it set to?
Has it got a filter?
How strong is the current?
Is it cycled?
How often do you change water?
How much water do you change?
Do you vacuum the substrate?
What additives or chemicals do you use? Eg De Chlorinator?
Do you use tap or bottled water? If bottled water please give us the brand.
Do you have a water test kit?
Can you tell us the readings for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate?
When you clean the tank can you tell us exactly what you do.
What do you feed him? how much? how often?
Any tank mates? What sort how many?
How long have you had the Betta?
Has he got a history of illness?

 

[dantheman1]

No offence taken. To the contrary, I am appreciative of your efforts in helping me here. I'm new to this, I know I have made mistakes, and I'm looking to resolve and not make them again.

- Tank is 10 gallons.
- Heated tank, fluctuates between 25-27 degrees celsius.
- It does have a filter.
- It is a Biorb tank, it is a new design which is shaped like a tube. Large surface area.
- Was fully cycled to 4ppm, took 6 weeks to cycle before any livestock added.
- Water changes are once per week.
- 15% water change per week. 50% tap, 50% RO as water here is 13 GH.
- I use a syphon for the substrate.
- De-chlorinator is Seachem Prime.
- I have API liquid test kit. Test at least once per week.
- Ammonia 0, Nitrite 0, Nitrate negligible (colour doesn't even match 5ppm)
- When cleaning, I gently agitate the substrate and all water is removed using the syphon.
- Feeding is once a day in the morning. A sprinkle of Atison Betta Pro.
- 8 Cardinal Tetras, and 3 Amano shrimp (looking to re-home the Tetra's. This hasn't been done yet as haven't found the right home.)
- I've only had him for 2 weeks.
- No clue about illness history.

Thanks,
Dan

 

[NickAu]

Hi

You were right, I don't see any real problems there.

You already know about the Cardinal Tetras.
The 3 Amano shrimp will be fine with the Betta.

Feeding is once a day in the morning. A sprinkle of Atison Betta Pro.

Atisons betta pro is good but feed sparingly normally its used to condition Bettas so no more than 5 pellets a day, Also remember a Bettas stomach is about the same size as its eye, Slightly under fed is better than slightly over fed.

De-chlorinator is Seachem Prime.

IMO Prime is overrated, Prime will bind ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate for 24-48 hours. At which point, if they are still present, they will be released. There are cheaper products around that work just as well.

Its obvious that you do not have ammonia nitrite and nitrate problems, so why waste money an stuff that " deals " with them if you don't need to?

Something like API tap water conditioner is fine.

15% water change per week.

IMO 50% a week would be better.

I have no idea what that is on his head it almost looks like heater burn or he hit something and its like a bruise, Maybe one of the other members will have something.

 

[dantheman1]

Thanks.

I’ll hopefully will find the tetras a new Home within the next week. Do you think they’re stressing the Betta out or is this unlikely?

 

[NickAu]

They could be but then again maybe not, Some Bettas are fine with tank mates others are not, Some Bettas will attack tank mates others will become stressed and withdrawn they tend to hide a lot they might start fin biting, stress also supresses the immune system and thats when illness sets in.

Suitable tank mates for a Betta are anything it can eat, Red Cherry Shrimp are a favorite snack, Maybe Kuhli loaches.